Castro District News

You have seen the fabulously retro billboards up in MUNI stations and seen flyers at your usual coffee. Now, the Big Gay 10K is just around the corner.

What better way to start prepping for the race on September 6 than with a carbo-load?

(Yes, we are counting beer and cocktails as our carb here.)

And what better venue to throw a happy hour for a marathon in than at the Castro’s premiere sports bar?

In preparation for the marathon through Golden Gate Park, Hi Tops is hosting a Happy Hour this Wednesday, August 20 to raise funds for the run.

From 5:30pm-7pm you can join the Big Gay Happy Hour, hosted by none other than the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The event is open to all in support of the Big Gay 10K—whether you are running or not—and comes with a “free cocktail” to boot.

Those interested are encouraged to RVSP (more information on the events Facebook page.) Registration to both run in the event and to volunteer to help SFAF on race day with a variety of needs for both this event and others in the future.

Plus, Hi Tops has a good beer selection and mouthwatering burgers. So really, how can you turn down attending?

Show up to support a friend who’s running, knock back a few drinks and maybe catch part of the Giants game. It’s all for a good cause!

About The Big Gay 10K: The run and walk—yes, you can walk it!—will take place in Golden Gate Park with separate start times for 5K and 10K races. The race will start at the Bandshell on the Music Concourse, and the route snakes throughout the park with views of the infamous rose gardens and DeYoung Museum along the way.

In addition to awarding the fastest running times, prizes will also be given out for a variety of other achievements, such as highest fundraising individual or team, or for best costume.

While the event is meant to be fun and to help raise funds and awareness about AIDS prevention, the race is quite legit. The Big Gay 10K, which has taken place in the city for several years now, is sanctioned with USA Track & Field which means that there are national and international rules that said race must function under in order to keep the runners safe.

Registration for the race is $50 with a suggested fundraising minimum of $150.

All proceeds from the run/walk support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the ongoing fight to “end the transmission of HIV in San Francisco through education, advocacy, and direct services in communities most vulnerable to the disease.”

About San Francisco AIDS Foundation: SFAF provides free care everyday for people affected by the HIV virus and prevention to those in neighborhoods most afflicted by HIV. The goal of the foundation is to make San Francisco the “first U.S. city to end the HIV epidemic.” For stories and more information on how to get involved please visit sfaf.org.